Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Chairmperson Abike Dabiri-Erewa has expressed sorrow over the killing of 19-year-old Nigerian student, Afolabi Stephen, in Manitoba, Canada.
According to reports, Stephen lost his life on December 31, 2023, allegedly at the hands of police officers.
Although the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, the Winnipeg, Manitoba Police Department explained in a statement that officers responded to a call about a young male exhibiting erratic behaviour.
Despite attempts to pacify him, the situation escalated, resulting in the police resorting to firearm discharge, ultimately leading to his demise.
In response, Dabiri-Erewa, through a condolence message conveyed by the Director of Media and Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, assured that justice would be pursued in the tragic incident.
She said: “We are in touch with the Nigerian mission in Ottawa who have the assurances of the Canadian authorities that investigations into the unfortunate incident have begun and will be thorough. We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Afolabi and pray unto God to allow his gentle and innocent soul to rest in perfect peace.”
